What is it: SMED (Quick Changeover) stands for Single Minute Exchange of Die. The SMED system is theory and set of techniques that make it possible to perform equipment set up and changeover operations in under 10 minutes – in others words, in the single minute range. SMED was originally developed to improve die press and machine tool set-ups, but its principles apply to changeovers in all types of process. SMEDs is one of the maun lean production methods for reducing waste in a manufacturing process, by providing a rapid and efficient way of converting a manufacturing process from running the current product to running the next product. This rapid changeover is key to reducing production lot sizes and thereby improving flow (Mura) which is a 'Lean' aim.

Why use it: To minimize machine downtime due to set-up changeover. The advantages of a quick changeover are:

Allows smaller economic lot sizes

Ability to produce a greater variety of parts

Reduces in process inventory

Reduces lead times

Minimizes machine downtime

Where to use it: For equipment that requires quick turn around times in a lean manufacturing enviroment.

When to use it: SMED changes the assumption that set ups can be done quickly, they can be done as often as needed. This means companies can make products in smaller lots, which has many advantages: